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Floor area ratio (FAR) is an important urban planning tool used by cities to determine the intensity of land use in a specific area. It is the ratio of the total gross floor area of a building to the size of the lot it sits on. The higher the ratio, the more intense the use of a site.
For example, in a residential neighborhood, FAR is used to control how many homes can be built on any given lot, quantifying the amount of living space available and controlling density. In a commercial or industrial district, FAR may be used to determine how large of a building can be placed on a given lot, and how much equipment and machinery can be used in that building.
The FAR limit is based on the building code and zoning regulations in the area, and is typically determined by the local government, who may have separate FAR limits for different types of structures. In some areas, there is an overall FAR limit, which all buildings must adhere to, while in others, the FAR is split between different building types.
FAR can also help to determine other criteria, such as building height and the size of usable space. Building height limits are derived from multiplying the FAR by the zoning height restrictions, while the total usable floor area is determined by multiplying the FAR by the zoning lot dimensions. Each FAR limit has different requirements, depending on the zoning code.
In some cases, a development may be allowed to exceed the FAR limit through incentives or waivers, such as providing additional public open space or public amenities. It is also possible that a development can be granted variances or exemptions from certain zoning regulations, such as the ten percent FAR limit.
Ultimately, Floor Area Ratio is a powerful tool used by local governments to manage population growth and the distribution of land. The FAR provides a flexible way to support density and growth, while also taking into consideration other urban planning goals such as aesthetics, public access, and providing a variety of development opportunities. It is an important part of understanding the overall context of any urban development.
For example, in a residential neighborhood, FAR is used to control how many homes can be built on any given lot, quantifying the amount of living space available and controlling density. In a commercial or industrial district, FAR may be used to determine how large of a building can be placed on a given lot, and how much equipment and machinery can be used in that building.
The FAR limit is based on the building code and zoning regulations in the area, and is typically determined by the local government, who may have separate FAR limits for different types of structures. In some areas, there is an overall FAR limit, which all buildings must adhere to, while in others, the FAR is split between different building types.
FAR can also help to determine other criteria, such as building height and the size of usable space. Building height limits are derived from multiplying the FAR by the zoning height restrictions, while the total usable floor area is determined by multiplying the FAR by the zoning lot dimensions. Each FAR limit has different requirements, depending on the zoning code.
In some cases, a development may be allowed to exceed the FAR limit through incentives or waivers, such as providing additional public open space or public amenities. It is also possible that a development can be granted variances or exemptions from certain zoning regulations, such as the ten percent FAR limit.
Ultimately, Floor Area Ratio is a powerful tool used by local governments to manage population growth and the distribution of land. The FAR provides a flexible way to support density and growth, while also taking into consideration other urban planning goals such as aesthetics, public access, and providing a variety of development opportunities. It is an important part of understanding the overall context of any urban development.